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2011 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo

Overview

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2011 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo Review

By KBB.com Editors

Full-size vans like the 2011 GMC Savana are about more than shuttling travelers to the airport or allowing plumbers to work from anywhere, though they fulfill those needs incredibly well. With versatile interiors, they can accommodate a slew of passengers, a tremendous amount of cargo, or a combination of each. Of course, other vehicles can lay claim to the same attributes, yet models like the GMC Savana are special in their ability to keep everything secure and under one long roof. The picture grows even more impressive when considering options like all-wheel drive and specifications including a 10,000-pound towing capacity and engines delivering up to 525 pound-feet of torque. There's a reason these workhorses haven't changed significantly over the years: They don't need to.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want more passenger capacity than any other mainstream vehicle, brute muscle on par with a hard-working pickup truck, and the ability to carry all of your tools of the trade in a secure space away from the elements, the 2011 GMC Savana is ready to serve.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Top-notch comfort and efficiency are not the GMC Savana's strong points, so if either of those points are high on your list of priorities, this full-size van probably shouldn't be your first choice.

What's Significant About This Car?

GMC has updated is 2011 Savana with standard stability control on all models, the most up-to-date version of OnStar, a more powerful and efficient diesel engine option, and available features such as XM Satellite Radio and a locking rear differential.

Driving the Savana 3500 Cargo

Driving Impressions Like GMC's other body-on-frame vehicles like the Sierra pickup and Yukon SUV, the 2011 Savana's ride and handling characteristics may come as a welcome surprise. Though you won't confuse this...

full-size van with a sports car, the steering and braking systems are fairly responsive, allowing drivers to feel secure when traveling with heavy loads. In those situations, it's best to have one of the Savana's available V8 engines under the hood, as the base V6 is not suitable for anything beyond light-duty work.

Favorite Features

Side Access Doors
Tradespeople are sure to appreciate the Savana's side doors that allow for quick and easy access to their equipment.

Capability
Few vehicles can offer the versatility of 15-passenger seating, a maximum tow rating of 10,000 pounds, and a cargo area measuring 284.4 cubic feet.

2011 GMC Savana 3500 Cargo Details

Interior

Inspired by models like the Sierra pickup, the 2011 GMC Savana's dash and instrument panel has a simple yet contemporary appearance and an intuitive, user-friendly layout. Without options such as rear shelving units, the Cargo Van's interior is unquestionably bare, while the Passenger version appears more complete with standard seating for eight, cloth upholstery and carpet on the floor.

Exterior

Interior space is what full-size vans are all about, so making any styling changes must be made with that in mind. As a result, the GMC Savana's general shape closely resembles that of models from as far back as the 70s, though the front end is more pronounced and the box isn't quite so, well, boxy. The shape has been streamlined and made as aerodynamic as possibly without sacrificing the all-important interior volume.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2011 GMC Savana Cargo Van is fitted with standard features including a V6 engine, air conditioning, manual exterior mirrors, and vinyl upholstery and flooring. The Passenger Van goes a few steps further with a 5.3-liter V8 and cloth seat fabric. Thankfully, the list of safety equipment is a bit more robust, and includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and dual front airbags.

Optional Equipment

Since standard features are scarce on the GMC Savana, buyers who want creature comforts will need to focus on the options list. That's where they'll find a selection of V8 engines, an all-wheel-drive system, a towing package, and items that many of us take for granted, such as power windows and a radio. The safety front is covered by available side-curtain airbags and the OnStar system with emergency assistance.

Under the Hood

With one V6 and four V8s on its roster, the 2011 GMC Savana offers buyers an engine for most any need. On the low end of the range is a 195-horsepower six-cylinder mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, which is suitable for light-duty applications but not heavy-duty hauling. For those situations, an optional 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel is hard to beat. That's especially true this year, as GMC has beefed up its oil-burning V8, now cranking out 525 pound-feet of torque and capable of operating on B20 biodiesel fuel. All of the Savana's eight-cylinder engines are paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

4.3-liter V6
195 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20

4.8-liter V8
280 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
296 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17

5.3-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
334 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17

6.0-liter V8
323 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
373 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/16

6.6-liter Turbodiesel V8
260 horsepower @ 3100 rpm
525 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used GMC Savana 3500 Cargo vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 GMC Savana Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 29 Ratings for the 2003 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.5/10

Best work van ever

By kos (MA) on Thursday, January 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "realiabilty"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this new ...67k miles all i have done is change tires at 57kmiles I use this van daily.... Im a contractor and i have used it to tow etc heavy loads... no problems.. Worth every penny i paid for it..."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Good utility and family van

By Dano (MI) on Thursday, January 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "interior room, towing"

Cons: "exterior door hinges bind and rust over time"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Only major complaint is I bought the "6-door" model with the dual passenger doors on either side. Great access but the exterior hinges are prone to rust and bind as the years add up... Remedy is lots of WD-40 and silicon spray applied frequently but they are still balky and stiff... In retrospect the sliding doors might have been a better choice. The AWD is a blessing in northern MI and I can tow things without a hassle with this rig. Interior is huge but the bench seats in the rear are not easy to remove or replace single handed. That said, you don't pack the interior in one of these, you just "load away". Mileage is good (19ish) at a steady all day 55mph but I average 15-16 most of the time. No glamor here but tons of utility and passenger room."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Awesome work vehicle

By Jon (AR) on Monday, November 14, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "four semi new tires and very high up off the groun"

Cons: "no windows in back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This vehicle is a used DHL van and was in excelent shape when I baught it. It is a very dependible work vehicle and despite the miles is in great condition. It does not have windows in the back and is plastic floored."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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excellant van w/ 6.0 lots of power

By joe (NY) on Monday, October 31, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 145,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "pleasure to drive"

Cons: "needs a tachometer"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"excellent truck bought w/ 100,000 have 145000 min. repairs some brakes frt shocks excellant handling w/ a limited slip rear end never got stuck in heavy snow. well built truck fuel mileage ok in city very good on highway 20 mpg plus w/ 6.0 excellent hauling capability"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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reliable vehicle

By cryid (MA) on Friday, October 28, 2011

I owned and sold this car
Reason: no longer needed it - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "reliable"

Cons: "need more power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This vehicle was purchased to travel the U.S. and Canada. The vehicle ran non stop a few times for periods consisting of 2 to 3 days without stopping except for gasoline restrooms and food. This van climbed the Rockies with a big load. The only things that need improving in my opinion are the following. More low end torque, larger brakes, bigger brighter tail lights."

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